Though most people think of business environments when they
think of video communication technology, the court system actually makes
good use of interactive video technology by using video depositions for
those who are unable to make their way to court or for those who are incarcerated
at the time.
Video deposition allows witnesses
to make statements from other cities, it lets inmates enter pleas without
having to be taken to the courthouse, and it even allows individuals to
speak before the court while protecting their identity (such as in a case
where a minor needs to testify but their face is obscured.) Video deposition
has brought an entirely new level of safety and convenience to trials,
and will continue to make a major impact on trial proceedings in the future.
How Video Deposition Works
Video depositions work much like more conventional methods of video communication,
with a few notable differences. A video deposition is transmitted to the
courtroom via a closed circuit television setup, with a monitor in the
deposition room and a similar monitor in the courtroom. Each monitor has
a corresponding video camera which will transmit its signal to the other
monitor, and each is connected to the microphone systems in their respective
rooms. This allows the cameras to pick up all parts of the conversations
which will have a bearing on the case, so that it can be recorded as a
part of the court record.
Video Deposition Setup
When setting up a video deposition, it's important that things like lighting
and acoustics are taken into account and are tested accordingly. It's
very important that both ends of the video deposition circuit can both
see and hear the other end clearly, so that there are no misunderstandings
or miscommunications through the system. The individual setting up the
system should make sure that the lighting in the deposition room is adequate
so that the person giving a testimony or plea can be seen (unless the
idea is to obscure their identity), but should avoid the temptation to
over-illuminate the room as this can cause glare or distraction. Microphones
should be tested to make sure that they are sufficient so as to pick up
all that is said, or wireless clip-on microphones should be used to make
sure that everyone can be heard. The deposition room should have a neutral
background, and the camera in the courtroom should be positioned so that
it can easily move to see the judge, district attorney, or anyone else
who would need to be visible to the person on the other end of the video
deposition connection.
Advantages of Video Depositions
There are a number of advantages to choosing a video deposition system
over standard depositions. Choosing to use a video deposition system can
reduce the time needed to get certain witnesses before the court, and
if these witnesses are under age or have special circumstances then it
can be used to provide them with a certain degree of safety as well. Inmates
who must testify before the court or who need to make a plea can be saved
the trouble of being transported to the courtroom; instead they can address
the court from a deposition room within the jail or correctional facility.
The convenience of video deposition systems can also make certain experts
or witnesses more willing to come forward and speak before the court,
as they may not actually have to travel to the courthouse in order to
say what they need to say.
